Driving school can be difficult for some high school students to attend, but thanks to teachers Mr. Nate Hunt, Mrs. Darcy Nesbit, and Mrs. Rebekah Smith—along with financial support from the Knox County Foundation—this opportunity is becoming a reality for the two-thirds of Team 12 students who do not yet have their licenses.
These Team 12 teachers noticed a large number of students without driver’s licenses and began to realize that many of them lack access to the necessary schooling and materials. A recent law change has made the situation even more challenging.
“The students that are in core are probably students who do not have the ability or the means to obtain their driver’s license,” Mrs. Nesbit said. “It used to be that when they were 18, they could get their license without the classes, but the law changed to 21.”
The teachers have observed how much easier the process becomes when students take these classes in school. They also note that students are retaining the information more effectively.
“Just like any other driving school, we had students who didn’t have their permit,” Mr. Hunt said. “Halfway through the class, they took their permit test and said it was so easy because they had already started driving school.”
Extensive research was required to secure the grant from the Knox County Foundation. Mr. Hunt emphasized that having a driver’s license opens the door to better job opportunities.
“I made a map of kids who have jobs and can drive and kids who have jobs but don’t drive,” Mr. Hunt said. “The kids who don’t drive basically have a small circle of fast food places they can walk to for jobs. People who have their license can go to Ariel or Kokosing and have better opportunities.”
These opportunities can lead to long-term career growth, giving students room to advance in their chosen fields.
“We don’t want students graduating with just a job, but rather graduating with a career,” Mrs. Smith said.
All three teachers have made it clear that their relationships with students have made it easier for them to absorb the material and have a less stressful learning experience.
“I think the content they are getting here might be delivered more effectively than in an online driving course,” Mrs. Nesbit said.
This program has not only helped students gain access to driver’s education but has also strengthened student-teacher relationships and supported students in pursuing their desired career paths.
“I think they’re more likely to listen to us when we talk about this,” Mrs. Smith said. “We’ve spent months working through this together and have built relationships with each individual student.”
